Safety pin-applying tools



Milrch 1968 N. A. FABRICANT 3,

SAFETY PIN -APPLYING TOOLS Filed Dec. 30, 1966 FIG-5 United States Patent i 3,371,561 SAFETY PIN-AEPLYING TOOLS Norman A. Fabricant, 290 Birch St., Emerson,N.l. 07630 Filed Dec. 30, 1966, Ser. No. 606,171 9 Claims. (Cl. 813) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A safety or diaper pin insertion device, shaped like a thimble or ring and worn on a finger. It contains a projection which fits inside the coil of the pin, and other projections which orient the legs of the pin. The pin is thus held under explicit control during insertion and the finger is protected from the painful pressure normally required to push the pin through several layers of diapers.

My invention relates to the application of safety and diaper type pins.

The purpose of my invention is to assist in the insertion of diaper and safety pins so that this operation may be performed with facility and safety. Important advantages are realized from its use. Primarily, the pin is held under explicit control. The pin can be grasped firmly and the insertion force can be applied to the pin without the small end of the pin digging into and hurting the fingers. With the major drawback of the safety pin removed, it is obvious that the user can now work with greater speed and dexterity. It is manifest that case of manipulation will produce greater safety, both for the user and the squirming child and minimize the prevalent danger of injury by pricking with the pin-point.

My invention can assume many forms. For a complete understanding of all forms, I offer the following detailed description with the accompanying drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one form of the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevation of a typical pin.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the first form in use.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a second form of the invention.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a third form of the invention.

The basic embodiment is a sleeve 1 with a projection 2 on it, as illustrated in FIGURE 1. It is used in conjunction with the familiar safety or diaper pin 4, shown in FIGURE 2. The sleeve 1 is large enough to fit over a finger, and the projection 2 is small enough to fit inside the wire coil 5 of pin 4.

In FIGURE 3, the sleeve 1 is shown on the middle finger 3. The wire coil 5 is seated on the projection 2, and the pin 4 itself is held in place by a slight pressure from the thumb 6. During the act of insertion, the position is maintained. Additional guidance is supplied by the index finger 7. None of the fingers, however, are called upon to apply painful pressure to the pin 4. The insertion force, required to make the pin 4 penetrate the garment, is supplied by the middle finger 3. Instead of pushing against the small area presented by the rear of pin 4, as is required without the sleeve, the finger 3 directs its force into the sleeve 1. The sleeve 1 concentrates the force in the projection 2 and transmits it to the wire coil 5, driving the pin 4 through the garment. The pin 4 is inserted painlessly and under explicit control. The pin 4. is then closed in normal fashion.

3,371,561 Patented Mar. 5, I968 The middle finger was selected for the above description because it is the finger that general provides the insertion force. However, anyone picking up a pin can see that many finger combinations are possible. A sleeve 'could be used on almost any finger. The thumb, in particular, is a likely candidate since it enters into every combination. There are also other considerations. The device may be used by a woman with tiny fingers, or by a man with large fingers. It will serve both righta'handed and left-handed people. It will be worn by those who like the snug fit of an elastic sleeve and those who prefer the firm feel of a solid sleeve. Some people may express a desire for additional support to maintain the orientation of the pin. Still others may request a short sleeve. This leads to the following configurations.

The sleeve, as shown in FIGURES 1, 3, and 4, can obviously be elastic, fabricated from rubber or one of the new elastomers. Or, it could be fabricated from a more rigid plastic or metal. The sleeve can be made in as many sizes and shapes as required. The projection may be located in any position on the sleeve, and the sleeve may even carry a plurality of projections. An additional approach to universality is to have flexible fingergripping members inside the sleeve. These can 'be longitudinal ribs 8, as shown in FIGURE 4, or annular bands 9, as shown in FIGURE 1. The sleeve may also be open at both ends, as shown in FIGURE 4. This affords an opportunity to halve the number of sizes required. One end may be made larger than the other, with a small neck in the middle.

To assist placement of the sleeve on the finger, a shoulder 10, or a tab 11, or similar means may be provided.

To assist in maintaining a given orientation of the pin, the sleeve may be provided with additional pins or slots 12 and 13 in which the legs 14 and 15 of pin 4 may rest.

Personal preference may dictate a sleeve so short that it is almost a ring. Such a unit may be elastic or rigid as were the previously described sleeves. It may also be made adjustable as shown in FIGURE 5. This sleeve is not continuous, but is cut, with the ends 16 and 17 overlapping. The ring material must be pliable enough to permit tightening or loosening.

While I have described several specific embodiments for this invention, it is understood that various changes and modifications may be made Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 1, therefore, intend by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A safety pin inserting device comprising, a thimblelike sleeve member of a size and shape to be worn on a finger, means on said sleeve projecting outwardly therefrom for being received by the coil end of said pin and means adjacent said projecting means for receiving the legs of said pin to maintain said pin in a given orientation while the same is being manipulated.

2. In a device, according to claim 1, wherein sleeve is fabricated from a rigid material.

3. In a device, according to claim 1, wherein sleeve is fabricated from an elastic material.

4. In a device, according to claim 1, wherein sleeve is open at both ends.

5. In a device, according to claim 1, wherein sleeve is closed at one end.

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8. In a device, according to claim 1, wherein said 5 sleeve is cut longitudinally, and wherein said sleeve material is pliable, permitting variations in size.

9. In a device, according to claim 1 wherein said sleeve has an appendage for gripping and pulling said sleeve.

4 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 4/1884 Demme 223101 9/1908 Blake 223-101 6/1921 Hmenia 223101 2/1947 McCormack 223-101 4/1951 Doyle 813 1/1966 Ames et al. 221

10 OTHELL M. SIMPSON, Primary Examiner. 

